Let's be RAW
The question I and my colleagues get a lot, "Can I purchase the RAW images?". The answer is, well yes.... but it will cost you.
Why is that you ask? Easy, we will start with explaining what a RAW image actually is.
Reddit explains it best "A raw photo (or RAW file) is an unprocessed, uncompressed image file format containing all data captured by a camera's sensor, acting like a digital negative. Unlike JPEGs, RAW files retain maximum detail, higher dynamic range, and superior color information, allowing for extensive, non-destructive editing. They are not directly viewable without software like Lightroom or Photoshop."
So why will this cost you more? Think of it as Mozart giving you his sheet music, and never hearing him play it, and now change it to however you want it, but still saying its Mozart's music. Or Van Gogh's art, but just him drawing an outline of his art, never filling in the details or color to make his masterpieces, then you finishing it, but calling it his Masterpiece. Well, that's just silly, because no one would do this. Not true, there are people who would and will do this. RAW images are not raw in a sense that they are not just finished. They are extremely large images with all the information stored in them. One RAW image can be 30mb, whereas a jpg file is usually 3-7mb. Unless you have invested in having the software to handle just reading these images, you cannot even open them. Your photographer has this software where the computer can read the images and bring all that information up so they can finish "cooking" the meal aka edit the image. Most typically use Lightroom or Photoshop to edit, which is an expensive software on its own as well. Like other professional photographers, I even add other software like aftershoot to help me cull through images and organize them before editing them. Then, the storage itself to have on my computer is insanely large as well. We're not talking gigs, we are talking terabytes.
But Krista, why the cost though? Think about all the information I just gave you, which is not all the reasons either, but the main points. Van Gogh is not going to sell his art unfinished. Gordon Ramsay is not going to deliver raw chicken to you to eat. I will not give you an unfinished uncooked image. It is not their brand, and a raw image is not my brand in a sense the way I want it to be displayed. My clients hire me for my finished products, not for something unfinished. Can they buy a raw image from me, of course! It is roughly $300 per image, if I decide to do that. I have spent over two decades creating and maintaining my brand, that it is important for me to keep my brand consistent. Therefore, the high price per image for a raw image. That then comes with a contract that says the person will not put my brand on their image or even mention I took it. Because their edits, are not on par with my brand and if they were to say I did it, then that can cause confusion, especially if I do not edit in that way.
So don't get mad if your photographer says no. Just make sure they shoot and edit in the style you are wanting, which is the best way to ensure you will receive the images you desire. Keep in communication with them, ask them for some sneak peeks and if they are ok with tweaking something you don't like. This is the reason I give sneak peeks out. I want to know what my client likes and does not like, so I can make sure they are super happy with the end product. Again, the relationship with your photographer and yourself, is so important. So do some research and find the right one for you.
